Common Snell Knot

Welcome to The FinTalk Fishing Knots details page for tying the Common Snell Knot. Follow the directions step by step and practice tying any particular knot over and over until you have it mastered. Learn it and practice it so when you are faced with changing lures or rigs in the middle of a hot bite you can quickly tie your knot and get your line back in the water. Sometimes the bite is only on for a little while so getting caught up with tying and re-tying rigs can cost valuable fish time. Remember not only should you be able to tie your knot fairly quick but you should be able to tie your fishing knot properly fairly quick. Nothing is worse than having what you know was a big daddy fish and losing him only to wind up your line to see your knot failed. It is enough to ruin your day, especially if the fishing is slow. So enjoy learning to tie these knots and for more detailed instructions check out "Fishing Knots and Rigs' by Geoff Wilson.

Ever wondered how to attach a leader to your main line properly or tie a Bimini Twist?.. Then take a look at this book "The Complete Book of Fishing Knots & Rigs" written by Geoff Wilson. The book offers an extensive list of knots and rigs which have been brilliantly illustrated by master angler Geoff Wilson. To read information for the knot on this page and many other useful knots and rigs we strongly recommend that you purchase a copy of '
The Complete Book of Fishing Knots & Rigs'

Butt:
The thick part of the leader. The butt of a leader is attached to the fishing line.
Tag or Tag End:
The working end, the part of the line where the knot is tied.
Standing Part:
The main part of the line that is fixed and under tension. Such as the part of line that is on the reel.
Standing End :
The short area at the end of the standing part of the line.
Working End:
The part of the line used actively in tying a knot. The opposite of the standing end.
End:
A loop is a closed curved line, formed by bringing the tag end back and alongside the standing part, or a knot that creates a loop.
Tippet:
The end of a leader to which the lure is attached. The tippet can be the end of a leader or an added line to the end of a leader.
Turns or Wraps:
A turn or wrap is one complete revolution of line around another.
Overhand Knot:
The foundation for many other knots.
(A Granny Knot before it is pulled tight)

KNOT NAME:

Common Snell Knot

KNOT DESCRIPTION:

The Snell Fishing Knot. The Snell Knot
provides a strong connection when fishing with bait and using a separate length of leader.
You should only use a Snell Knot with a leader.

Additional Image

Knot Instructions

1. Insert one end of the leader through the hook's eye, extending 1 to 2 inches past the eye. Insert the other end of the leader through the eye in the opposite direction pointing toward the barb of the hook.Hold the hook and leader ends between your thumb and forefinger of left hand. Leader will hang below the hook in a large loop.

2. Take the part of the large lower loop that is closest to the eye and wrap it over the hook shank and both ends of the leader toward the hook's barb.

3.Continue to wrap for 7 or 8 turns and hold wraps with left hand. Grip the end of the leader that is through the eyelet with your right hand and pull it slowly and steadily. Hold the turns with your left hand or the knot will unravel. When knot is almost tight, slide it up against the eye of the hook. Grip the short end lying along the shank of the hook with a pair of pliers. Pull this end and the standing line at the same time to completely tighten the knot.